Article Contributed by Birthplace of Country Music
Published on 2026-05-27
Photo: Courtesy of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, a division of the nonprofit Birthplace of Country Music, is returning to State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol on Sept. 11-13, 2026, boasting a stellar lineup including headliners Sierra Ferrell, Old Crow Medicine Show, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Los Lobos, and The War and Treaty, legendary favorites Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, The Del McCoury Band, emerging artists Mon Rovîa, The Creekers, Trousdale, and The Band Loula, and local artists Chancellor Lawson, Ashton Davison, and Logan & McKenna, to name a few.
On May 27, festival organizers announced additional local and regional artists joining the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2026 lineup:
Kris Truelsen & Country Casserole, Adam Bolt, Adrian Bundy & His Honky Tonk Hearts, Alpine Motel, Anthony Childress, Ashton Davison, Bailey George & The Hit Paraders, Boys From Bristol, Chancellor Lawson, The Corklickers, Duty Free, Hoot & Holler Storytellers, Jamtown JAM Camp, Junction 4961, Lightnin’ Charlie, Logan & McKenna, Momma Molasses, My New Favorites, NESCC Jazz Ensemble, Noah Denton, Phil Faconti & Dave Eggar, Possum Creek Playboys, Post Bop Revival, Recovery Bristol Band, Roger Ramsey, Soul Sandwich, The Soulamanders, Troublesome Hollow, and Virginia West.
“Since the very beginning 25 years ago, the robust music communities of Bristol and the surrounding Appalachian region are the lifeblood of Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion,” said Festival Director, Richard Oakley. “From well-known hometown heroes, to regional up-and-comers that are ready to take-off, we take great pride in showcasing a diverse cross-section of the best and brightest artists that our mountains have to offer.”
One local band, The Corklickers, have performed each year at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion since its inception in 2001.
“We have been proud to represent some of the current local talent that has been perpetuating the traditional old-time music that was captured during the original Bristol Sessions of 1927 such as that of Ernest Stoneman and Uncle Eck Dunford, Blind Alfred Reed, The Carter Family, as well as others,” the Banner Elk natives said. “One of the highlights of the festivals over the years was when we performed for the dedication ceremony of Stoneman Family Drive where Roni, Donna and Patty Stoneman became quite emotional when we played many of the old songs their parents recorded in the 1920s. We hope that Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion will continue to perpetuate this time-honored string band music rooted in the East Tennessee/Southwestern Virginia region and renowned across the globe.”
Special collaborative performances will help mark the festival’s 25th anniversary. On Friday afternoon, Jim Lauderdale and Donna the Buffalo will open the State Street Stage together for a special Anniversary Jam. On Friday evening, German music producer and songwriter Toby Gad and Bristol’s own cellist and composer Dave Eggar will take over the Paramount Bristol with The Hitmaker Sessions featuring many special guests. Radio Bristol’s Farm and Fun Time will take over the Paramount Stage Saturday evening with house band Kris Truelsen & Country Casserole and special guests for a live recording. Also on Saturday evening, Big Daddy Love’s Mo-Grass will take the Country Mural Stage featuring Florencia and the Feeling.
The Birthplace of Country Music also unveiled the 25th Anniversary poster, designed by acclaimed local artist Charles Vess, whose exhibit, Charles Vess: The Book of Ballads, is currently on display in the Special Exhibits Gallery at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
“We are fortunate as an organization to have worked with Charles on several Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion posters over the years,” said Dr. Rene Rodgers, Director of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, “but I am most excited about this year's commemorative festival poster. The connections between the exhibit, 25 years of the festival, and Appalachia and our music makes it extra special.”
The three-day Reunion pays tribute to the legacy of the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions while celebrating the evolution and continued influence of roots music. “There’s a collective and individual spirit of those who came here to record,” said Jim Lauderdale in an interview with Garden & Gun Magazine. “I feel them smiling; I hear that music in the air.” The 2026 festival will serve as the kickoff for the 100th anniversary of the 1927 Bristol Sessions.
Nearly a century after Ralph Peer famously recorded musicians in a Bristol hat warehouse, artists from across the country continue to gather in Historic Downtown Bristol each September to create new musical connections and collaborations. During the 25th anniversary of the festival, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion will once again host live recording sessions in partnership with local and national music and radio outlets.
3-Day General Admission and Single Day Tickets are on sale now online at BristolRhythm.com or in person at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. VIP Experiences are also available, and selling quickly. 25th Anniversary merchandise can be purchased online or in the Museum Store.
For tickets, updates, and more information, visit BristolRhythm.com.
